Nigerian military reportedly reveals identity of naval officer involved in alleged coup plot

Nigerian military reportedly reveals identity of naval officer involved in alleged coup plot

The identity of one of the senior military officers detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu has been reportedly revealed as Lieutenant Commander B. Abdullahi of the Nigerian Navy.

According to Sahara Reporters, Abdullahi, who belongs to the 56 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, was reportedly arrested alongside other officers from the Army and Air Force.

The group, led by a Brigadier General, was accused of planning to disrupt the October 1 Independence Day celebrations through a coup attempt.

Although the Nigerian military claimed the arrest was due to repeated failure in promotion exams and career stagnation, sources within the force insisted the detention was connected to the alleged plot to seize power.

The detained officers have been held for more than three weeks in an undisclosed Abuja facility under what insiders described as suspicious and harsh conditions.

Family members initially feared their relatives had been kidnapped since the military offered no official communication on their whereabouts.

Security sources also disclosed that the Nigerian Army recently raided the Abuja residence of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa governor, Timipre Sylva, as part of the investigation into the alleged coup plot.

The operation was reportedly carried out by a special military team after intelligence linked Sylva to meetings with some of the detained officers.